With the snowy and icy conditions beginning to hit several parts of the country, drivers are starting to think about putting their winter tires back into service. When should tires be replaced for winter? If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently remain below 45°F, you can go ahead and switch out your summer tires for ice tires, especially if the cold days include icy conditions.
Be sure to have your tires checked and any compulsory tire repair taken care of before installing them and that the tread and inflation are sufficient for snowy conditions. If your winter tires have reached approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth, you should consider replacing them before winter arrives in full force!
Here are several safety tips to keep in mind when driving with winter tires:
- The RMA recommends installing winter tires in sets of four to optimize the performance benefits. This will help maintain stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions.
- Traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle often gives drivers a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS is designed for vehicle stability, power transmission, and controlled braking. It does NOT optimize traction or grip in winter driving maneuvers.
- Look for the Severe Ice Conditions Symbol when shopping for winter tires. It is located on the sidewall, indicating that the tire meets the snow traction standard recognized by the RMA.
After you have removed your summer tires, you will need to store them. Keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location. Store them raised up off the floor on a pallet or rack, sidewall to sidewall.
Remember: Before re-installing winter tires on your vehicle, have them inspected for possible damage and adequate tread depth.
Need tire repair on your winter tires? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about when should tires be replaced for winter and make an appointment. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
